General Rufus Putnam

During the American Revolutionary War, Rufus Putnam served as the Continental Army's chief military engineer. His contribution was key to helping American forces drive the British Army from Boston. This first full-length biography of Putnam in more than 130 years covers his wartime service and his efforts to prevent the expansion of slavery.

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During the Revolutionary War, Rufus Putnam served as the Continental Army's chief military engineer. As designer and supervisor of the construction of major fortifications, his contribution helped American forces drive the British Army from Boston and protect the Hudson River. Several years after the War, Putnam personally founded the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory at Marietta, Ohio. Putnam's influence and vote prevented the introduction of slavery in Ohio, leading the way for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin to enter the U.S. as free states. This first full-length biography in more than 130 years covers his wartime service and long public career.